2014 Mid-America Ford and Shelby Nationals - Cruising At 40

The Mid-America Ford and Shelby Nationals celebrated a major milestone in 2014

Four decades ago, in 1974, the Mustang II was in Ford showrooms, Richard Nixon made history by resigning as U.S. president, and drivers were complaining because gasoline prices had risen to 55 cents a gallon. First-generation '65-'73 Mustangs were simply used cars. National clubs like SAAC and the MCA were still two years away.

Yet in Oklahoma, Jim Wicks and his wife, Terry, were addressing picnic invitations to Shelby owners that Jim had met over the previous years. The couple were pleased when 16 cars showed up at Rockwell Park. Inspired, Jim held his second picnic the following year and 35 cars lined up in Doc Hickman's backyard. On the third year, 1976, the event drew 75 cars. Jim knew he was onto something.

The Mid-America Ford and Shelby Nationals (www.midamericafordmeet.com) may have humble beginnings but it has become one of the top Mustang and Ford event destinations for thousands each year. This year, Mid-America attracted over 1,000 cars, with 30,000 people participating in at least one activity—cruise, open track, drag racing, car show, swap meet, and banquet.

"It's absolutely beyond my wildest dreams," Jim said when we asked him if he ever dreamed of such a turnout. "I thought the first picnic was a pretty neat deal and maybe we'd have a few more people the next year."